A great many hands went up—more than the questioner liked to see.
"How many find such books help them in their work, make the factory seem pleasanter, and themselves more contented?"
Not a hand was raised, and the girl who had spoken before said:—
"I never can work half as well in the morning when I have been reading stories at night. I hate the sight of the factory, and wish I was a princess, or a splendidly dressed young lady with oceans of gold and jewels, like those in the books."
"Another question: Do books of this kind help you to pray, make the
Bible more interesting, and incline you to loving service for the
Saviour who has died that you might be saved?"
No one answered. The girls looked both surprised and shocked, and Miss
Eunice continued:—
"On the contrary, I dare say many of you remember times when the thrilling interest of an exciting story has made you utterly forget your prayers, or at any rate has made church and Sunday-school and the homely duties of a Christian life seem tame and flat by comparison. Is it not so?"
Many bowed assent.
"Now for my last question: Would you be willing that your fathers and brothers or the young men of your acquaintance should read all of these books with you, every passage, and could you, without blushing, read them aloud to your pastor or to me?"
No answer.